Two more deer harvested in the Kootenay region have tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), bringing B.C.’s total number of confirmed cases to eight.
“These newest confirmations are deeply concerning and the Province continues to work with partners to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease,” said Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Minister Randene Neill.
“Protecting B.C.’s wildlife is a shared responsibility, and we are grateful to hunters, First Nations and community partners who are working with us to respond and manage the disease effectively.”
The latest cases were found within the province’s existing CWD management zone. All eight confirmed cases to date have occurred in this area, near Cranbrook, Kimberley and Jaffray.
CWD is a fatal, infectious disease that affects cervids — deer, elk, moose and caribou. Once it is introduced to an area, it is unlikely to be eradicated. Early detection, however, can help contain the disease and limit its spread.
Preventing transmission is key, officials said, and includes avoiding activities such as moving potentially contaminated animal parts across regions.
“As more cases of CWD are confirmed, we are encouraging hunters in every part of B.C. to submit samples from every animal they harvest,” said Jesse Zeman, executive director of the B.C. Wildlife Federation.
“Hunters and hunting continue to be the best tool we have to identify and manage chronic wasting disease.”
Response plan expands in affected areas
The province’s surveillance and response plan includes several ongoing measures:
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Increased sampling in areas at risk;
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Outreach with hunters, local governments and wildlife groups;
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Public guidance on safe handling and testing of harvested animals.
The Kootenay and Peace regions are the current focus of surveillance efforts due to their proximity to confirmed cases in neighbouring jurisdictions.
Hunters required to submit samples
In the CWD management zone, licensed hunters must submit samples from any harvested deer, elk or moose at designated drop-off locations. Submissions are free of charge.
Hunters may also take part in a special hunt from Jan. 5 to 31, 2026, during which one additional deer may be harvested beyond the regional bag limit of two. The hunt is part of the effort to expand testing and reduce disease risk.
Outside the management zone, hunters are encouraged to voluntarily submit samples to support monitoring efforts.
There is no confirmed evidence that CWD can infect humans. However, Health Canada and the World Health Organization recommend people avoid eating meat from infected animals as a precaution.
The province said it remains focused on preventing further transmission and minimizing impacts on B.C.’s wildlife populations.
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